TARGETED PRODUCT DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM AND METHOD
First Claim
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1. A method of stacking multiple objects on a uniform pallet for use in automatically conveying the uniform pallet and respective objects stacked thereon about a distribution center, the method comprising the steps of:
- receiving a pallet present input signal at a central computer indicating that an empty pallet is present at a workstation;
transmitting from the central computer a first conveying signal for conveying the empty pallet on to a lift;
transmitting from the central computer a second conveying signal for conveying the objects to the workstation;
receiving scanned object identifier information originating from an object identifier located on at least one of the objects;
storing the scanned object identifier information in a database associated with the central computer;
determining at the central computer instructions to transmit from the central computer to a monitor located at the workstation, the instructions comprising a proper method, order and orientation of manually stacking the objects on the empty pallet, based on information in the database;
transmitting from the central computer the instructions to the monitor located at the workstation;
displaying the instructions on the monitor for an operator to follow;
receiving at the central computer a confirmation signal from the workstation that the instructions have been implemented; and
transmitting a third conveying signal for conveying the pallet stacked with objects away from the workstation.
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Abstract
A targeted product distribution system is described herein with respect to an exemplary management of product flow through a distribution center. Specifically, the system and method described herein is directed to the management and display of direct and easily-understood instructions, such that average individuals, as well as those with mental disabilities, will be able to contribute equally to the overall process.
40 Citations
23 Claims
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1. A method of stacking multiple objects on a uniform pallet for use in automatically conveying the uniform pallet and respective objects stacked thereon about a distribution center, the method comprising the steps of:
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receiving a pallet present input signal at a central computer indicating that an empty pallet is present at a workstation; transmitting from the central computer a first conveying signal for conveying the empty pallet on to a lift; transmitting from the central computer a second conveying signal for conveying the objects to the workstation; receiving scanned object identifier information originating from an object identifier located on at least one of the objects; storing the scanned object identifier information in a database associated with the central computer; determining at the central computer instructions to transmit from the central computer to a monitor located at the workstation, the instructions comprising a proper method, order and orientation of manually stacking the objects on the empty pallet, based on information in the database; transmitting from the central computer the instructions to the monitor located at the workstation; displaying the instructions on the monitor for an operator to follow; receiving at the central computer a confirmation signal from the workstation that the instructions have been implemented; and transmitting a third conveying signal for conveying the pallet stacked with objects away from the workstation. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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18. A method of stacking multiple objects on a uniform pallet for use in automatically conveying the uniform pallet and respective objects stacked thereon about a distribution center, the method comprising the steps of:
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receiving a pallet present input signal at a central computer indicating that an empty pallet is present at a workstation; transmitting from the central computer a first conveying signal for conveying the empty pallet on to a lift; transmitting from the central computer a second conveying signal for conveying the objects to the workstation; receiving scanned object identifier information originating from an object identifier located on at least one of the objects; confirming that the product identifier information accurately identifies the objects; storing the scanned object identifier information in a database associated with the central computer; determining at the central computer instructions to transmit from the central computer to a monitor located at the workstation, the instructions comprising a proper method, order and orientation of manually stacking the objects on the empty pallet, based on information in the database; transmitting from the central computer the instructions to the monitor located at the workstation; displaying the instructions on the monitor for an operator to follow; receiving at the central computer a confirmation signal from the workstation that the instructions have been implemented; receiving a lowering signal indicating that the lift should be lowered; lowering the lift from an initial height to a predetermined distance based on at least one of the dimensions of the objects; raising the lift to the initial height prior to conveying the pallet stacked with objects away from the workstation; receiving a signal from an input device proximate the workstation indicating whether the dimensions of the stacked objects fall outside of predetermined height, width and weight parameters for a pallet stacked with objects; and transmitting a third conveying signal for conveying the pallet stacked with objects away from the workstation. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20, 21, 22, 23)
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Specification